[For Seniors] Fun Origami That Also Works as Rehabilitation
Origami is also being incorporated into rehabilitation for the elderly.
The process of folding, which engages the mind and uses the fingertips, appears to provide moderate stimulation to the brain and help activate it.
So this time, we’ll introduce origami that can be expected to have positive effects for rehabilitation.
We’ve gathered pieces with simple steps that are easy for older adults to try, as well as origami you can play with once it’s finished!
Origami offers a sense of accomplishment when a piece is completed, and because it’s familiar to many seniors, it can be enjoyed across generations.
Some older adults may find it difficult at first.
However, once they get used to it, gradually increasing the difficulty should make it even more enjoyable!
- Easy origami that delights the elderly. Enjoy a heart-lifting time with seasonal origami.
- [For Seniors] Perfect Finger Exercises! Seasonal Flower Origami
- [Recreation] Summary of Recommended Origami Ideas for Seniors
- Simple origami that can be folded from a single sheet
- [For Seniors] Easy Construction Paper Crafts Activity
- [For Seniors] Simple Handicrafts Recommended for Finger Exercise
- For Seniors: Simple and Lovely Crafts – A Collection of Take-Home Project Ideas for Day Service
- Recommended for seniors! Origami gifts
- [For Seniors] Easy Origami Recommended for Winter
- [For Seniors] Lovely Crafts Made with Tissue Paper: Ideas Collection
- [For Seniors] Recommended September Origami to Feel the Autumn Season
- [For Seniors] Simple and Fun: Craft Ideas You Can Make with Everyday Items
- [For Seniors] Enjoy Something New Every Day! Today’s Origami
[For Seniors] Fun Origami That Also Serves as Rehabilitation (41–50)
origami bookmark
Let me introduce a simple, easy bookmark that makes a great gift for someone who loves reading.
Fold a sheet of origami paper in half and open it, then fold the right side along the crease.
Fold the top and bottom edges, and after folding twice along the previous crease, you’ll have a neat rectangle.
Place a string in between and secure it with double-sided tape, and your origami bookmark is complete.
The folding method is very simple, so it’s easy for seniors to try as well.
Why not use your favorite pattern to create a one-of-a-kind bookmark?
Popup card
Let me introduce a hydrangea popup card with a beautifully unfolding flower when you open it.
Prepare seven sheets of origami paper, trim them into small squares, and fold each one into a triangle three times.
Gently round the top edge with your scissors as you cut.
When you open it, it will form a flower shape; cut off just one petal, apply glue, and overlap the edges to adhere it into a cone-like flower.
Fold the finished flowers flat and glue them back-to-back to create the popup mechanism.
Attach them to construction paper along with some leaves, and you’ll have a lovely hydrangea popup card that opens softly.
It makes a delightful message card or birthday card that recipients are sure to enjoy.
Goldfish made with origami
Here’s an idea for making a goldfish using two sheets of origami paper.
If you use 15 cm paper, the goldfish will turn out quite large, so if you want to make a smaller one, cut the paper into quarters and use that.
With the first sheet, make the goldfish’s head and body, as well as the dorsal and pectoral fins.
With the second sheet, make the decorative tail fin.
Basically, you’ll create creases and fold along them, but for the tail fin you’ll need to open up the pockets to squash them and fold the edges narrowly, so proceed carefully.
Once both parts are finished, attach them together, add the eyes, and you’re done.
Tanabata Wreath Made with Origami
We’d like to introduce a Tanabata wreath you can make with origami.
When you hear “Tanabata,” what do you think of? Orihime and Hikoboshi, stars, bamboo? Let’s fold origami based on those Tanabata images and attach them to a wreath.
There are many origami designs for Orihime and Hikoboshi, ranging from simple to intricate.
An origami wreath is made by combining identical wreath components.
It seems like a lovely activity to do with older adults while reminiscing about Tanabata memories.
Fireworks made with ring decorations
When it comes to fireworks, they’re a hallmark of summer, aren’t they? The beauty of fireworks bursting across the night sky moves the heart in an indescribable way.
They also stimulate the brains of older adults, which can help prevent dementia.
This time, I’ll introduce a craft: a burst firework made with paper chains.
You create rings out of origami and then combine them to form a firework.
Making the rings involves fine handwork, which provides good stimulation for the brain.
Let’s enjoy the activity together—chatting about fireworks as older adults work side by side.
Origami Block Calendar
There are many different kinds of tear-off calendars, aren’t there? This time, we’ll introduce a project where turning the blocks changes the month and date.
We’ll fold origami to make the blocks.
First, crease the origami paper, then fold it into a box shape.
Because origami uses your fingertips a lot, it can help activate the brain and serve as good finger training.
You’ll combine two box shapes; the trick is to slightly flatten the one that goes inside to make it easier to insert.
Write the days of the week and numbers on them and line them up, and your block calendar is complete.
If you make a stand for the blocks, it will look even nicer.
pinwheel
On hot summer days, there are things that make you feel cool, aren’t there? The sound of wind chimes, sprinkling water, and tokoroten jelly are just a few.
A pinwheel might be one of those cool-feeling items too, don’t you think? A pinwheel that spins in a light summer breeze or with a gentle puff of air—watching it whirl around somehow makes you feel cooler and more at ease.
Cut slits in four places on a piece of origami paper and fold the corners toward the center.
The key is to bring the corners to the center without making creases—more like folding them over gently.
Fix the pinwheel with a toothpick and attach it to a straw to finish.
It’s the kind of craft that might even bring back memories for older adults of playing with pinwheels when they were young.